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APPROVE FINDINGS AND AWARD AN ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT TO SCHAAF & WHEELER CONSULTING CIVIL ENGINEERS FOR THE DESIGN OF THE LINCOLN STREET PUMP STATION AND FORCE MAIN PROJECT
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
2. Authorize a Professional Engineering Services Contract in the amount of $853,250 with Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers of Santa Clara, CA, for the design of the Lincoln Street Pump Station and Force Main Project, UW24005 (Exhibit 1 to the Resolution).
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
The 2022 Wastewater Master Plan Update recommended the City construct a new sanitary sewer pump station and force main facilities necessary to address critical deficiencies in the City's Downtown Core District sanitary sewer collection system.
On September 3, 2023, the MUD advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Lincoln Street Pump Station and Force Main Project (UW24005) design services. On February 15, 2024, three (3) proposals were received. The selection committee evaluated the proposals and found Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers (Schaaf & Wheeler) of Santa Clara, CA, to be the most qualified firm to perform the scope of work for the pump station and force main design.
If approved by the City Council, this action will award a Professional Engineering Services Contract to Schaaf & Wheeler in the amount of $853,250 for the design of the Lincoln Street Pump Station and Force Main Project (UW24005).
DISCUSSION
Background
The 2022 Wastewater Master Plan Update recommended that the City construct a new sanitary sewer pump station and force main to eliminate the siphon pipeline at the Mormon Slough crossing and adjacent gravity sewers in Downtown Stockton. The project will provide the necessary facilities to convey sewage from Downtown Stockton to the City's Regional Wastewater Control Facility (RWCF).
The Market Street trunk sewer turns south and crosses Mormon Slough through an inverted siphon that is over 100 years old. The siphon is difficult to maintain due to its age and high-risk of failure. If failure occurs, the City's Downtown Core District (Downtown) will be impacted by prolonged bypass pumping and emergency repairs.
Present Situation
On September 3, 2023, the MUD advertised the RFP for the Lincoln Street Pump Station and Force Main Project in the Stockton Record and on the City's Bid Flash webpage.
Two non-mandatory pre-proposal meetings and job walks were held on September 14, 2023, and January 17, 2024. On February 15, 2024, three (3) sealed proposals were received by the City Clerk from the following engineering firms:
• Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers (Santa Clara, CA)
• Blackwater Consulting Engineers (Modesto, CA)
• West Yost Associates (Davis, CA)
A selection committee comprised of MUD engineering management staff evaluated the proposals based on their understanding of work, experience with similar projects, staff qualifications, project approach, cost, and local preference. Schaaf & Wheeler was found to be the most qualified to perform the scope of work for the pump station and force main facilities design. Schaaf & Wheeler proposes to design the project for a fee of $853,250, which is reasonable considering the size and complexity of this project.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a resolution to award a Professional Engineering Services Contract to Schaaf & Wheeler in the amount of $853,250 for the design of the Lincoln Street Pump Station and Force Main Project.
It is anticipated that the design will be completed by Spring 2025. Once the design is completed, staff will return to the City Council to award a construction contract.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.070, the City Council may approve findings that support an exception to the competitive bidding process. These findings include:
1. The City does not have sufficient staff capabilities and expertise to design the project for bidding and construction.
2. The scope of services requires an engineering firm experienced in pump station and sanitary sewer force main design.
3. The use of the RFP process is appropriate for this Professional Engineering Services Contract because it relies on the evaluation of professional qualifications and performance as the basis for the selection of a vendor.
4. Using the RFP criteria helps ensure the selection of a vendor that will provide the highest quality professional service, which is in the public interest.
This contract is for professional engineering design services and not subject to Local Employment requirements or CEQA requirements.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There are sufficient funds available in the Wastewater CIP Project UW24005 Account to award the professional engineering services contract for $853,250 to Schaaf & Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers of Santa Clara, CA, for the design of the Lincoln Street Pump Station and Force Main Project.
This action has no impact on the General Fund or any other unrestricted funds.